Moving can be challenging without adding a language barrier to the equation. Military OneSource offers translation and interpretation services to military spouses moving overseas or foreign-born spouses coming to the United States. You can access:
- Language interpretation services via telephone in more than 170 languages
- Document translation for more than 170 languages
- Translation of birth certificates, college transcripts, marriage and divorce documents
- Document interpretation/translations for leases, service agreements, employment contracts and other legal documents
The Department of Defense offers translation and interpretation services at no cost to military members and their families. Visit the Military OneSource website for more information.
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How Translation and Interpretation Services Can Ease PCS Moves
Moving to another country can be exciting. And a language barrier can make it challenging. If you are a military spouse making an OCONUS move or a foreign-born spouse coming to the United States, Military OneSource offers translation and interpretation services to help ease relocation stress. This no-cost service is offered by the Department of Defense. It supports military personnel and families with a broad range of services to aid PCS transitions to overseas installations or those new to the United States.
What services are available?
- Real-time help via the Military OneSource telephone interpretation service
- Interpretation services for more than 170 languages
- Document translations in more than 170 languages
- Document translations done in two or three days
- Translations of birth certificates, college transcripts, marriage documents, divorce documents and other paperwork
- Translations of leases, utility service agreements, employment contracts and employment-related benefit documents
If you are a foreign-born military spouse, you can also get documents translated into English. Visit Military OneSource for more information.
What documents qualify for English translations?
- School transcripts and diplomas
How does translation work?
As a military spouse, you've seen your share of paperwork. Just imagine having to navigate mounds of documents in a language you cannot read..
Military OneSource translators will help take away the stress. They will certify, notarize and include a certificate of authenticity for documents that are under 20 pages. You can get translations in two to three days if the document is under 5,000 words. More time is required to process longer documents.
Medical documents, documents over 20 pages, fliers, brochures that advertise installation events or family support programs do not qualify for translation. Not to worry — Military OneSource will direct you to the right people who can translate non-qualifying documents at a cost that won't break the bank.
Be sure to call a Military OneSource consultant at 800-342-9647 if you need assistance with document translations. You may call collect if you are calling outside the United States or Canada and do not have access to the toll-free number. Make sure to have the document you need translated handy when you call.
What help is available for foreign-born military spouses?
As a foreign-born military spouse moving to the United States, Military OneSource will find people who speak your language. You can obtain language interpretation services over the phone. Military OneSource works hard to interpret all languages for military families.
Visit the Military OneSource website or call 800-342-9647 for information about language interpretation services. If your native language cannot be interpreted by Military OneSource, its staff will find community and government resources who can help.